GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Next up on the Circle Theatre stage is a foreign affair (with an emphasis on the affair) as “Don’t Dress for Dinner” - the sequel to the hilarious French farce “Boeing, Boeing” produced last year at the local theater - debuts on Thursday, June 5.

Once again the plot revolves around the philandering Bernard who has plans to rendezvous with yet another mistress. As those plans go awry, his best friend Robert, wife Jacqueline, and a couple of women named “Suzy” are caught up in the marital mess where finding an innocent isn’t as easy as it seems.

The madcap comedy is directed by Tom Kaechele, who also directed 2013's production of “Boeing, Boeing.” The cast features Patrick Hendren as Bernard, Don Vanden Heuvel as Robert, Kim Mercatante as Jacqueline, Sherryl Despres as Suzanne, Liene Strautnieks as Suzette, and Eric Hand as George.

Hendren, who plays the lead role of Bernard, is making his Circle Theatre debut but is no stranger to the stage. He most recently played the role of Watson in Civic Theatre’s production of “Sherlock Holmes” and Boolie in “Driving Miss Daisy” at Jewish Theater Grand Rapids.

This is his first real try at farce.

“It’s a lot of work, very fast, with a lot of lines,” Hendren said. “There’s a lot of pressure to get the lines right and get them early, so you can work on all of the characterization. I wasn’t sure when I auditioned if I could meet the challenges but it’s been nice to see that I think I can pull it off.”

“Tom (Kaechele) said that in a farce, you need to be ahead of the audience, they can’t get there before you do,” Hendren added. “You don’t want to give them a chance to think.”

Hendren will have to face the physicality of a farce as well with scenes that include fellow actors climbing his back and trying to wrap a phone cord around his neck. “I have regular visits to my chiropractor, so I’m all set,” he joked.

Kim Mercatante, who Hendren said is one of those rare actors who “is funny all the time and still has an incredible work ethic,” plays the role of Bernard’s wife Jacqueline. She said she hasn’t had this much fun in a long time.

“It’s an absolute scream,” Mercatante said in an interview. “I told myself I wasn’t going to do any shows in the summer and just enjoy the season. But when I read this, I almost fell off the bed. It is so funny. I had to give it a shot and audition.”

Mercatante describes her character as "sharp and conniving but can play dumb if she has to. But she's also very passionate."

That passion translates to even more physical comedy as Mercatante tosses out a few slaps to the face during the show.

“I love Don (VandenHeuvel),” she added. “He’s so sweet, kind, and funny and I don’t like hitting other people… but there’s something about the scenes where I slap him. It's fun but I always wince when I walk away from those scenes. I’m Italian, I can hit.”

VandenHeuvel confirmed that. “She certainly can,” he said. “It’s all in good fun though. The hardest thing about taking a slap on stage is your face knows it is coming but you still have to look innocent and shocked.”

Don VandenHeuvel, who plays Robert, is a two-time Grand Award nominee last seen on stage in the Circle on the Side production of “The Lyons.”

A true fan of farce, VandenHeuvel said “I like the over-the-top nature of it where subtlety is not an asset. We aren’t trying to change the world, just giving people a reason to laugh. The end result of this farce is an adult-themed live action cartoon. I like the fast pace and that Robert is nervous or edgy. It’s the way I like to play a character.”

Performances are June 5 through 21. Show times are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays beginning at 5 p.m. at Circle Theatre, 1607 Robinson Road SE.Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by calling the box office at 616-456-6656 or online at www.circletheatre.org. The box office is open Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to curtain on days of weekend performances.

A special promotion will be held on Friday, June 13 as Circle Theatre and Cherie Inn will be offering “An Evening in Paris: Dinner and a Show” which combines a three-course French-themed dinner at Cherie Inn and tickets to the show. Reservations required. Tickets for the event are $70 per couple for Circle Theatre season ticket holders (dinner only) and $110 per couple for non-season ticket holders.